"Christopher! Over here!" she said with her hand to her head.

Christopher, with Karen, walked over to where she stood.

"What's wrong? What is this?"

"Looks like someone's room is on fire," he said.

"Oh my God! That's JR's room…"

"What?? JR's room?" said Christopher, surprised. Karen just stood near him, looking distant.

"I've got to find out if he's ok," stuttered Sue Ellen, pulling herself through the crowd. She ran up to the ship's crew who was putting out the fire. There was one man standing back, supervising and that's who she went up to. "Excuse me," she said frantically, "but where is the man who was in this room?"

"There was no man in the room," said the man, matter-of-factly.

"What? What do you mean?"

"May I ask who you are ma'am?"

"I'm Sue Ellen Ewing, the man who occupied this room is my ex-husband. Now where is he?"

"Ms. Ewing, I'm sorry to inform you, but your husband is dead."

"No, oh no…"

"I'm sorry."

Sue Ellen wiped away a tear. "Ex..excuse me, I need to find the rest of the family."

Within twenty minutes, Sue Ellen had most of the family gathered in the privacy of her room—Miss Ellie, Clayton, Lucy, Jenna, Ray, Christopher, Karen…all but Bobby and Pam, who were nowhere to be found.

"Sue Ellen, what is it? Does this have anything to do with the fire alarms?" asked Lucy.

Sue Ellen was quiet for a moment, then spoke up. "Yes, yes it does. It was JR's room that burned."

"Is he alright?" asked Ellie, grasping Clayton's arm.

"No, JR didn't survive the fire. He's g…gone…" Sue Ellen broke into tears after finishing her announcement.

"Oh no, JR…" said Ellie.

"Now wait, wait just a second. It's going to take a hell of a lot more than a fire to get rid of old JR."

Everyone in the room turned around to see JR and Bobby standing in the doorway. Sue Ellen ran up to JR, thankful that he was alive. "JR, I love you, I love you so much," said Sue Ellen. She kissed him. At first he was stunned, but he soon returned her kiss.

Miss Ellie got up and walked to them. "Bobby, what is the meaning of this?"

"There was a fire in JR's room. Pam had left earlier to go for a swim and I was going to join her as soon as I made a phone call. On my way out, the alarms went off and I saw smoke coming from JR's room. I went in and most of the room was in flames and it was pretty dark inside, but I did see JR. He was lying on the bed, looked like he was asleep. I got him out and took him to another room away from the fire. JR was out cold and didn't wake up until a few minutes ago."

"But, I was told that JR was inside the room…and that he was dead," said Sue Ellen.

"What? Well he's obviously not dead…oh my God, there must have been someone else in the room."

"I'll go check it out," said Ray.

"I'm going too," said Clayton, getting up.

There was a knock at the door and Ray opened it.

"Excuse me, but I'm looking for Sue Ellen Ewing." It was the man with whom Sue Ellen had spoken earlier, the one who had told her about JR's "death".

"Yes?" she said.

"I'm sorry, but there's been a terrible mistake, the man was not your husband."

"Well, yes, we've figured that out, considering that he's here now."

"Who was it?" asked Bobby.

"The driver's license in his wallet said Robert Stockton. There was also a woman with him, she's also dead."

Sue Ellen looked surprised. "Robert…" she said.

"Who?"

"We're not sure, but Stockton did have a picture in his wallet that appears to be the same woman who died in the fire. I want you to take a look at it Ms. Ewing, since you do appear to have known Robert Stockton."

"Ok."

He pulled out a small photo and passed it to Sue Ellen. She and JR looked at it. "Oh my God, it's Anita, Anita Smithfield," said JR.

"So you knew her?"

"Yes, she was my lawyer, but she was supposedly in Greece on vacation. I…I can't imagine how she could be here. Are you absolutely sure that the woman who died was Anita Smithfield?"

"No, we can't be sure, but as soon as we get a few higher officials flown in, you'll probably need to identify the bodies. Now, I've got a few things to take care of. I'm sure a detective will be contacting you shortly."

The man, who had mentioned his name was Walter Jacobs, left the room. "Wait a minute, has anybody seen Pam?" asked Bobby.

"I saw her," said Karen, "but it was a little before the fire started."

"Oh? Where did you see her Karen?" asked JR.

"It was near the pool, she mentioned that she was going for a swim. We only talked for a second."

Jenna spoke up, hesitating at first. "I…I also saw Pam."

"Where? When?"

"It was about five minutes before the ship's fire alarms went off. She…she was coming out of JR's room."

"What? Before the fire?" asked Bobby.

"Yes. She was in a hurry. I don't think she saw me, but I know I didn't think anything of it then, besides the fact that her being in JR's room was a little bit odd."

"Well Bobby, it looks like your little wife is an arsonist among other things…"

"JR, now wait just a damned minute. If you think that Pam would start a fire in your stateroom, then you're crazy."

"Stop it!" said Ellie sharply, "stop this fighting. Now is not the time!"

"I'm sorry Bobby, but it looks like Pam tried to kill JR," said Jenna.

Christopher stepped up; "my mom would NOT try to kill anyone."

"Lucy, where is Cliff?" asked JR.

"I have no idea. I haven't seen him since the ball. He wasn't in his room."

"Then it's obviously Cliff!" said Christopher. "He hates JR enough to do something like that."

"Maybe so Christopher, but Cliff had no solid motive. On the other hand, your mother was kept away for eleven years because of JR. If that isn't a motive, I don't know what is!" said Jenna, a triumphant smirk on her face.

"You know what Jenna?" said Christopher, "I don't think I like you very much. You would do anything or say anything to make my dad look down on my mom."

"Are you accusing me of lying about seeing Pam leaving JR's room?"

"That's right."

"Christopher, I don't think Jenna would do anything like that. She's a good person."

"Chris, I'm feeling a bit dizzy, do you mind walking me back to the room?" asked Karen.

"No, of course not, it'll do me some good to get out of here anyway."

"I'm going to look for Pam," said Bobby, getting up.

It was very late. Gary, Val and Abby were still at the offices of the Ewing Oil Company. Just a few hours before, Gary had been alone in the office when, suddenly, his wife and his ex-wife had both shown up at the same time and delivered some very shocking news to him. He was going to have absolutely no choice but to betray the trust that Bobby and Sue Ellen had put in his hands and sign-over control of the company to Abby.

"Abby Fairgate…" He thought. How much trouble has she caused he and Val over the years? And why was it that he still couldn't find it in himself to say no to her?

Gary spoke to her angrily. "OK, Abby, you've beaten me, beaten us. Do we really need to stay here all night and trudge through this?"

Abby replied, matter of factly, "no, not all night, just until we've completed the necessary paperwork. Tomorrow at 1pm, you, JR and I will be meeting here to discuss all this and I want everything set before that meeting. Or would you rather I let you tell him about all this alone?"

Val piped in. "That's enough of your threats, Abby. Gary is cooperating. You don't really expect him to act happy about this, do you?"

Abby smiled a faux smile and replied. "No, I guess not. As much as I hate to admit this, I'm really sorry to have to put you both through this, but business is business and I have no remorse about that."

"You wouldn't," said Val.

Ignoring Val's snide comment and moving on to the business at hand, Abby stated, "well, everything looks to be in order now. I'll see you both, I assume, here tomorrow afternoon." With that she turned and left the office.

As soon as Abby was gone, Gary broke into tears and began rambling on about being a failure. Val just put her arms around her husband and allowed him the release. She was confident that this book wasn't finished being written.

Bobby walked in a hurried manner on the deck of the ship, looking for Pam. The wind had picked up and made it somewhat difficult for him to walk along the deck. He came out to the pool and saw a familiar figure sitting on a lounge chair.

"Pam!" Bobby called out to her. "How can you stand to sit here like this, honey? This wind is getting fierce." He noticed Pam was hardly hearing a word he was saying, so he sat down next to her on the chair, and took her by the shoulders. "Pamela!" he exclaimed, worry starting to surface on his handsome face. He was stunned by the blank look on her face. She seemed oblivious to the deteriorating weather conditions blowing her auburn hair around. He hadn't seen her look like this since she had her nervous breakdown so many years earlier. She still seemed to not know he was even there.

"Bobby, you startled me," she said blandly. "I am fine; I was just thinking about all that has happened to me over the past 11 years. I think it got the better of me during the ball tonight. JR is lucky I passed out; the whole crowd would have found out what he had done to me!" she exclaimed, showing some emotion for the first time.

"Then you don't know what just happened down below, do you?"

"What are you talking about Bobby?"

Bobby didn't quite know how to start to tell Pam of the fire, but he knew he had to, since Jenna had made her accusation. "Pam, someone attempted to kill JR. A fire was set in his room, though I managed to get him out. Anita Smithfield was killed and some man named Stockton. Pam, I hate to ask you but you weren't near JR's room on your way out here, were you?

"Just what are you implying Bobby? That I tried to kill that no-good brother of yours? I can't say I would be sorry if he was dead! But no, I wasn't near his room? How could you even think I would do that?!" Her anger at Bobby was rising in her with an intensity she had almost never felt towards him. She got up quickly to walk off a nd nearly fell over again. Bobby reached up to steady her.

"Honey, calm down please," he said, growing worried once more. "Of course I don't think you did this." He hesitated before he continued. "It is just that Jenna is saying she saw you coming out of JR's room about 5 minutes before the fire alarm went off."

"Oh, of course that woman would say that! She is so jealous of me she would do almost anything to get me away from you so she could have you again! She is reminding me more of Katherine every day! She would say I slept with JR if she thought it would break you and me up!" she exclaimed, her voice shaking with anger and distress. Bobby could tell his fiancee was near emotional exhaustion at this point, and he tried to comfort her.

"Pam let's just go to our stateroom. I think what you need is to get a good night's sleep. Come on, " he said, putting his arm around her in a loving yet protective way.

Her anger was dissipating. "I am sorry I got mad at you, darling. You're right; I think I do need a good rest. I just wonder if I will know any peace as long as Jenna and JR are around." This comment of hers brought another worried look to Bobby's face, but he decided it was just her stressed emotional state talking. He led her off the deck and down to their state room.

Lucy had been searching the ship for what seemed like hours. When she finally spotted him sitting at the bar, she sat down beside him exhausted.

"Cliff, where have you been?"

"Here." Cliff's words were slurred, and it was obvious to Lucy he had been drinking heavily.

"Cliff, don't you know what happened?"

"Yeah, I was there, Afton embarrassed me in front of the whole Oil community, that bitch is out to destroy me!"

"Cliff, this is not about Afton, JR was almost killed!"

Cliff began to laugh

"Cliff, shut up, I hate JR myself, but he is family, and he almost died."

"Again! That man has more lives than a cat."

"Cliff, you don't seem to understand…."

"I understand your beginning to get on my nerves, after everything JR has done to you, why the hell are you giving me such a hard time."

"Maybe because, as always when a Ewing almost dies, you become a suspect."

Lucy, I am not going putting up with being accused again of trying to kill that bastard, I have been here for hours, and you, you have been here with me the whole time……right?"

A fierce wind and rain had blown up and the ship's captain announced that Tropical Storm Georges would be cutting the cruise a day short. The Oil Baron was set to dock at Galveston around 8 a.m. the next morning. Sue Ellen sat on her bed, thinking about all the times that JR's life had been in jeopardy. As she was thinking, he walked into her room.

"Hello Sue Ellen."

"Hi JR."

"Can we talk?"

"I suppose."

"What happened earlier…what is that supposed to mean to us?"

"JR, if you think for one second that I'm going back to you just because you almost died in a fire, then you'd better think again."

"What?"

"You heard me. I was terrified that you were dead and I just lost control of my emotions when I found out you were alive."

"Oh…I see. Well, I guess I should be going then."

"Ah, is one of your tramps waiting for you in your new room? We couldn't expect old JR to be all alone on a cruise ship now could we?"

"Sue Ellen, now is not the time. I almost died in there tonight. Could you at least spare me your sense of humor?"

"Yes, I guess I could. Goodnight JR."

"Night Sue Ellen."

It was 10 a.m. The limo pulled into the drive at Southfork. The ship had reached Galveston on schedule and the Ewings had caught a plane back to Dallas where the limousines were waiting for them. JR stepped out of the limo, followed by Sue Ellen, Lucy, Ray, and Jenna. A second limo pulled up and Bobby, Pam, Christopher, Karen, Ellie, and Clayton filed out.

"Well, it's great to be back home. Smell that sweet Texas air."

"JR, don't get melodramatic," said Sue Ellen, "it's 96 degrees and there's nothing sweet about the air."

"But it's good to be back at Southfork nonetheless." JR motioned for the ranch hands to unload the luggage and he and the rest of the Ewings went inside.

"JR, as soon as I change clothes, I want to go see John Ross and mother."

"That's a great idea, I'll need to change also and then we can be on our way."

Clayton put his hand on Lucy's shoulder as she was heading up the Ewing staircase.

"Get your filthy hands off me you pig!"

"Lucy please!"

"Clayton, as I told you on the ship, you may have Grandmother brainwashed, but I am not so easy to fool."

"I don't want to fool you, just have you understand."

"Do you think Muriel understands?"

"Lucy, I know she does, she obviously did not tell you the full extent of our relationship."

"She told me enough."

"Well, if she had, I don't think you would be acting this way."

"Clayton just leave me alone." Lucy began to head up the stairs.

"Lucy there is so much you still don't know, please be open to listen."

"Clayton I have heard all I need to know."

"You don't know everything about his Lucy."

"Clayton, and I am afraid either do you!" Lucy continued up the stairs leaving Clayton still standing at the bottom of the staircase. Ellie walked up behind him, and hugged her husband.

"Clayton, give it time, I will make her understand."

"I hope so Ellie. Ellie before Lucy found out about Muriel, I had thought you and I might be heading back to Europe after the cruise."

"I know Clayton, I did as well, but my family still needs me, be patient please."

"Of course my love, of course."

Christopher sat on his bed facing the window. "Karen, I want you to move in with me here at Southfork. There's no use in you living in that hotel any longer than you have to."

Karen turned around and smiled, "I'd love to Christopher, but how is that going to look to the rest of the family? I mean, us not even married yet and sleeping in the same room."

"If that's the worst thing that goes on at Southfork, then we'll all be ok."

"I guess you're right. I just wonder how 'uncle' JR is going to take this. Judging from past experiences, I'm more than sure he doesn't care much for me."

"He'll get over it and if he doesn't, I'll help him get over it. Which reminds me, we need to set a date for the wedding so we can let the caterers know so that they can get started. This is going to be the biggest wedding Southfork ever saw."

Karen's faced turned solemn. "I wanted to talk to you about that. There's no easy way to say this, because I know how much you want it…but there's no way I can have a Southfork wedding—not after what happened at the last one."

Christopher didn't say anything for a moment, but soon smiled. "If that's what you want and if it'll make you happy, then I'm all for it."

"There's more…"

"Uh oh, what?"

"I want to elope. I don't want JR or Pamela Rebecca causing ANY trouble."

"Well I can understand that, but where? And it better not be to Vegas!"

"That's exactly where I want to go Christopher."

"Isn't that a little cliché?"

"Well, Southfork weddings aren't entirely cliché-free themselves."

"I guess you're right. Let me guess, in one of those cheap wedding chapels?"

"The cheaper and faster…the better."

"Grandma is going to kill me for this; but if it's what you want, then it's also what I want."

"Can we keep this a complete secret? I don't want it to be spoiled."

"Yeah," said Christopher, "I think I know someone who can witness, if you don't mind."

"Who?"

"Jake, my ex-roommate at school. He moved to Las Vegas this summer and I'm sure he'd be more than happy to witness."

"Great! I'm going to call and book a flight. How does tomorrow night sound?"

"It's rushing things a little, but like you said, the sooner the better."

"And then we'll be married and I'll be Karen Ewing. That has a nice ring to it doesn't it?"

"A very nice ring," smiled Christopher, "but I do want to go see John Ross before we leave."

"Yeah, me too, why don't we go tonight? Maybe go get something to eat out somewhere. I'm not sure I can stomach eating with JR tonight."

"You and me both. I'm not too hot about sitting across from Jenna either. She seems to have it in for my mom. I still believe she lied about seeing her leaving JR's room. I just hope all of that will be settled soon so everyone can get on with their lives."

With the sour and tragic way the Oil Baron's cruise had ended, Bobby and Pam both felt great relief at being back at Southfork. Though both expected more trouble from Jenna and JR, neither one really wanted to talk about them. Jenna's accusation hung in the air like the sultry humid air they encountered when they got back to Southfork. They were in their room doing their own unpacking, exchanging quick glances at each other, until Pam spoke up.

"Bobby, are we going to continue to act like school kids, or are we going to discuss what Jenna said more? You know she is about my least favorite person to talk about, but her saying I was near JR's room that night makes it inevitable that we get this out in the open."

"I already told you all she said, and I also told you I know you wouldn't do something like that. I have known you for over 20 years, so I think I can make a fair judgement about you." He went across their bedroom and took her in his arms.

"I don't think you are the most objective person when it comes to me, dear."At least, I hope you're not," she said, returning his embrace. She grew serious again. "Did you ever think I did actually set that fire?"

Bobby decided once again to be honest with her; it wasn't in his nature to lie to her; at least not much. "I was a little worried about you when I found you up on the deck in the wind like that. You seemed not to even know I was there for a while. But you told me you were just having a flashback to your years away from Christopher and me, and I believed you then, and I believe you now. I know you and JR don't get along, to understate it, but you wouldn't kill him Pam. Lord knows you have a reason to want him dead, but you aren't a killer. You are just too good a person."

"Well have you ever heard that anyone is capable of killing, given the right circumstances? If JR ever did anything to you or Christopher I would be capable of killing him. You tried your own hand at killing him when you found out what he had done to me. That just makes my point there, that anyone might be a killer in the right circumstance. I didn't set that fire though Bobby; I hope you believe me."

"Of course I believe you!"

"I think Jenna is going to try to make something of her accusation Bobby. She is really starting to worry me, her state of mind. I had something of a blind eye when Katherine was trying to kill you; maybe that made me more wise on what to look for. My family has some history, doesn't it?" she said with a touch of irony. "Katherine tried to kill you and went a bit insane, Cliff and I both attempted suicide, I was in a mental hospital... Are you sure you still want to marry me again?"

"Pam, stop this," Bobby said in a gentle but forceful tone. "You should know I love you with all my heart. Of course I still want to marry you, and as soon as we can arrange it. I don't see how Jenna's accusation can possibly affect us."

Pam sighed and put her head on his chest. "I wish I could get some of your optimism," she murmured. She embraced him even more tightly and closed her eyes to try to fight off the tears she felt forming in her eyes.

Gary awoke in unfamiliar surroundings. It took him a few minutes to get his bearings and he then realized where he was. The night before had been difficult for him and Val had insisted that they check into the Singletree instead of driving all the way back out to Southfork.

Val came out of the bathroom and saw that Gary had finally awoken. "Rise and shine, sleepy head."

"What time is it?" Gary asked, squinting from the brightness of the room.

"It's 11:30. We've got just enough time to eat and get over to the office."

Gary groaned. "Don't remind me! My big day!" He said sarcastically.

Val put her hands on Gary's shoulders, got right in his face and said, "Gary, listen to me! This isn't over yet! Do you hear me?! You've got your whole family on your side now, me, Bobby, Sue Ellen, Miss Ellie, even JR." She rolled her eyes at that thought.

Gary appeared to feel a little better, but still was bothered by one thing. "But, Val, this is Abby we're talking about. Abby!"

"We've faced and beaten Abby before and we can do it again, Gary! Now, get dressed and let's go kick her butt!"

JR pushed open the door to John Ross' room. It had only been a few days since he had seen his son, but he felt like it had been years. Sue Ellen followed him in.

"Well, welcome back Sue Ellen…hello JR," said Patricia. "Did you have a nice trip?"

"Yes, we did, aside from the fact that someone tried to kill JR."

"Wouldn't be the first time, probably won't be the last," said Patricia turning back to John Ross. "Which reminds me, I've got a little surprise for you."

"What?" asked JR and Sue Ellen in unison.

John Ross opened his eyes, "Hi Mom and Dad. I missed you."

"OH! John Ross!" yelled Sue Ellen ecstatically.

"Well, I knew it was just a matter of time before you woke up!" said JR, in a tone even more excited than Sue Ellen's. The guilt that had been plaguing him for almost three months went away in one heartbeat. His son was awake; everything was going to be ok.

John Ross sat up, but JR could tell he was still in pain. For a second, he began to feel guilty again, but it soon went away.

"Mama," said Sue Ellen, hugging her son, "how did this happen? Why didn't you call us? When?"

"He's been conscious for several days. I knew if I told you that you'd come flying back and miss the ball. Neither John Ross nor I wanted that. And besides that, we wanted it to be a surprise didn't we John Ross?"

"Yeah we did."

"Well Son," said JR, "how are you feeling?"

"I feel great, but I still don't remember what happened. The last thing I remember, I was at a hotel, I'm not even sure where. Pamela Rebecca was there, but Karen and I were supposed to be having dinner. After that, everything is either blurry or completely gone."

"I'm sure it will come back to you later John Ross."

"Where's Karen? I want to see the woman I love. I may not remember much, but I do remember how I felt about her."

Sue Ellen and JR looked at each other, not sure of what to say. Finally, Sue Ellen spoke up. "I'm sure she'll be by to see you soon John Ross."

"Yeah, I hope so."

A doctor came in to examine John Ross and Sue Ellen, JR, and Patricia stepped outside in the lobby. JR walked over to get a cup of coffee.

"John Ross, I'd do anything to make up for the bad that I've done to you. If you want Karen Beam, then that's exactly who you're going to have."

"Talking to yourself JR?" asked Patricia.

"Just thinking out loud"

Sue Ellen walked up, "JR, I'm going to head over to Ewing Oil for a while and then come back here."

"Well, sounds like a good idea to me. Mind if I come along?"

"No, not at all."

Lucy reluctantly agreed to meet Cliff for Lunch. He looked better than the last time she saw him on the ship.

"Cliff, I don't have a lot of time, what do you want?"

"Lucy what's the matter, I have missed you."

"It's only been a day."

"Seemed like longer."

"Well, the last time we saw each other Cliff, you were quite rude, it was a side of you I have not seen before."

"I know….I'm sorry Lucy, I was loaded, Afton telling everyone that I beat her up all the time really threw me for a loop."

"Cliff nobody believes her, after that song, everyone's ears were ringing anyway, no one even heard her." Lucy grinned, thinking things might be ok with Cliff after all.

"Lucy, I do love you."

"I love you to Cliff…..but….were you serious that you want me to say I was with you after the ball, no one will believe it, I was with the family the whole time."

"No, I was not serious, just a brief panic I guess."

"Panic?"

"Lucy, I did not hurt your Uncle, I only do that in my dreams….but I am not up to having to deal with another pounding from the Ewings."

"I understand."

"Cliff…..it is time for you to join me for dinner."

"We have eaten dinner before Lucy."

"Not at Southfork!"

Cliff grinned, "That could be fun."

JR and Sue Ellen walked off the elevator and into the reception area at Ewing Oil. Kendall greeted the couple and expressed her happiness to see them back. The two made their way into the main office and asked whether Abby Fairgate was here yet? Kendall told them that she was waiting in JR's office.

"Is my brother here?" JR asked.

"Yes, he's in with Ms. Fairgate." Kendall replied.

JR and Sue Ellen entered the office to see Abby, Gary and Valene sitting disturbingly quietly.

"Well, Abby, honey, it's good to see you." JR said, walking over to shake Abby's hand. "I don't believe you've met my wife, Sue Ellen."

Sue Ellen extended her hand, as well, to Abby. "That's ex-wife. It's nice to meet you, Ms. Fairgate."

Abby smiled. "Well, I guess we have something in common. We're both ex-wives of Ewing men, the kind that never seem to go away."

Sue Ellen and Abby shared a laugh.

Gary and Val were still quiet.

"Well, Gary, I hope you've been keeping Abby entertained while you've all been waiting. And, Valene, I'm surprised to see you here. I would have thought that my baby brother would at least have the sense to keep you away, so that he could have Abby all to himself."

Val rolled her eyes and looked at JR with a disgusted look.

"That's enough of that, JR." Gary grumbled.

"Now, let's not get testy in front of company, shall we?" JR mustered, attempting to break the aire of animosity that had suddenly overtaken the room. "Abby, to what do we owe the pleasure of your company?"

Gary and Val exchanged worried glances and braced themselves for the shock to come.

"Well, JR, it's funny you should put it that way, "company." You see, the reason that I'm here today, is to let you know that I now control Ewing Oil."

JR and Sue Ellen both dropped the looks of friendliness from their faces in exchange for worried concern and both looked over at Gary and Val.

Gary, looking very ashamed, nodded "yes" to them.

Sue Ellen broke the silence. "Excuse me, Ms. Fairgate, I realize that we've just met, but you've given us quite a shock. Would you care to explain this little proclamation you've just made?"

JR waved his hand at Sue Ellen, indicating that they should hear Abby out.

"Of course, Sue Ellen. You see, while you were away, Gary involved the company in several deals that were less than above-board, deals I, personally, orchestrated. You see, I also own Northstar Oil. Does the name Barnes-Ewing One mean anything to anyone here?" Abby began her story with a smug look on her face.

JR broke in. "OK, so you somehow managed to take Northstar from that idiot Barnes. That, I can believe."

Abby's smile grew. "Yes, and Barnes-Ewing One has been producing at above the allowed capacity rate set by the Texas Energy Commission. A situation that Gary facilitated. And then there's a little investment made to a firm based in Taiwan, a firm I own. We've been involved in some… questionable… dealings over the last year and guess who has backed it all with Ewing capital?"

"Go on," said JR.

"Last, but certainly not least, I have here copies of the documents which Gary signed last night, extending control of this company to me. I now control 75% of Ewing Oil." Abby threw the papers on JR's desk and he looked them over carefully.

"JR?" Sue Ellen looked to JR for an answer to all of this.

JR thought for a moment and then looked Abby square in the eye. "Is that all?"

Abby nodded yes.

"Well, I'll tell you Abby. You've been very thorough and I admire your tenacity at taking on a challenge this big, but there's one base you've missed." JR stated.

Abby didn't, for one moment, buy it. She asked him, arrogantly, "what's that, JR?"

"Well, you see, there's this little clause in our charter. It states that you must have the name Ewing in order to hold the majority of this company. The papers that you and Gary signed last night are null and void. You're Abby Fairgate, not Abby Ewing." JR smiled and got up to show Abby out of the office.

Just as the two approached the door, Abby spoke up. "Not so fast, JR. You didn't think that I would really come in here unprepared, did you?" She stuck her head out the door and asked someone outside to join them. "JR, Sue Ellen, Gary, Valene… I'd like you to meet my new husband. We were married yesterday. I think you probably remember your cousin, don't you?"

A man walked in the door and JR's face sank with surprise. "Oh, my Lord."

Abby continued. "Well, isn't anyone going to congratulate us? I mean, it isn't every day that you become Mrs. Jack Ewing!!"

Afton was looking pretty matronly. Gone were the glitter and low cut dresses she paraded around with on the ship with. Today, she was in a pink dress, high neckline, and not heels. Today she had another role to play…. Victim. She Walked into her lawyer's office, and took a seat. The trial was just a month away. Her original idea of screwing her ex was not going to be as easy as she thought. JR would be no help, and Pamela Rebecca was into her own world. Afton was on her own with this one.

"Afton, come on in. You are looking a little differn't today."

"Well, all the stress of the past few months is finally catching up to me I guess."

"Stress? Hummm, I heard about the show you put on at the Oil Baron's Ball, I don't think the several hundred people in attendance can be counted on to say you looked stressed."

"You heard about that eh."

"Yes, your public display made the papers."

"Good, so they now know what Cliff did to me."

"Afton , I hate to be the one to tell you this, but I think Cliff looked liked the sympathetic one."

"What do you mean?"

"You looked desperate Afton. If I am going to get you off, you have got to listen to what I say from now on."

"What exactly does that mean?"

"It means, if you don't want to spend the next ten years in grey, you will do will not see, or talk to Cliff, and you will stop your fighting with Lucy Ewing."

"That's easier said than done."

"Well, one more time Afton, Just DO it, or you can find yourself another lawyer, I play to win, and if you keep screwing up, you can find yourself another lawyer!"

Afton got up and walked towards the door. "I will listen, you just make damn sure I do not spend one more night in that hellhole….got it."

"It's all up to you Afton."

JR walked into the lobby at Westar. Sue Ellen had waited outside and insisted that he hurry back, but he had to pick up his messages. Upon entering his office, JR's jaw dropped.

"Oh my God, Wendell."

"Hello JR," came Wendell's familiar voice.

JR looked around. Men wearing Kenco Moving Co. jackets rolled dollies filled with boxes upon boxes of JR's things out into the lobby.

"What the hell is this?"

"Well JR, it's as simple as this. I'm the CEO of Westar Oil and your not. Security!" called Wendell.

Two men in uniforms came and pulled JR out of the office. Within minutes, he was out on the street, along with all of his boxes.

"JR," laughed Sue Ellen, "what is this?"

"As soon as I find out what this is about, that bastard Wendell is going to pay."

Christopher and Karen walked into John Ross' room and were soon shocked as Sue Ellen and JR had been several hours earlier.

"Karen, I'm glad you're here. I've missed you." John Ross stood, shakily at first and walked to Karen. "I know that we've both been through a lot…with Pamela Rebecca and everything else, but I have a solution."

"What's that John Ross?"

"Karen, will you marry me?"

Christopher expressed a look of shock, not quite sure what to do. Karen was equally as shocked and she hesitated for what seemed like hours, looking back from Christopher to John Ross.

"What's wrong Karen? Do you not want to marry me?"

"No…it's not that." Karen realized that John Ross was in a very fragile state, having just awakened from a three month long coma. The shock of what had happened that night and the fact that she and Christopher were engaged might be too much for him to handle in such a state. Karen looked at Christopher one more time and turned back to John Ross. "Yes…John Ross, I will marry you."

Christopher's look of shock turned to one of pure astonishment and jealousy.

"Great! That makes me feel a lot better. I was worried that you might have moved on or something when I was in a coma. It's great that our love withstood all of that," said John Ross, smiling. He kissed Karen before turning to Christopher.

"Christopher, I wouldn't think of having my wedding without you as my best man. What do you say?"

Chris looked coldly at Karen, but then realized she must have good reason for what she was doing. "Yes, I will if that's what you want."

"Cool, thanks man. The doctor says I should be out by the end of the week. They want to keep me under the microscope for a few more days. After I get back to Southfork, we can get married Karen."

"John Ross, Karen and I are going to step outside for a minute."

"Yeah, ok. Hurry back."

After he and Karen were safely out of earshot of John Ross, Christopher spoke up. "What the hell was that all about?"

"Chris, I'm sorry. I didn't think John Ross would be able to withstand the shock of all that's happened. It's better to let his memory come back on its own, rather than forcing it on him. I had to play along…I didn't have any other choice."

"Well, I figured that you probably had a good reason for doing that, so I played along too. But don't you think this is going to make it worse on him when he does find out?"

"I don't know; I'm planning on talking to his doctor to find out."

"One question…"

"What?"

"Where does this leave us and the wedding?"

"I don't see any reason why we can't be married. We just can't let John Ross find out."

"Ok, glad it's not going to affect that at least. But I don't like lying to John Ross and I don't like you pretending to be his fiancé."

"I know, but maybe it won't last long."

JR Ewing walked down the hall of Southfork and stopped upon hearing someone in the exercise room. He pushed open the door and stepped in. Karen was working out on a row machine and didn't hear him come in. JR watched her for a few minutes. He was obviously attracted to her, but he had other plans for Karen Beam, plans that included his son, John Ross.

"Well, hello Karen. Taking advantage of our exercise room?"

"Yes, I needed to work of some stress."

"So, have you been to see John Ross?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact I have," said Karen, only half listening to JR. JR was one that she had learned to tune out.

"Well, were you as surprised to see him wide awake as I was?"

"That's a dumb question, why wouldn't I be?" replied Karen.

"I guess you're right. So, I hear John Ross thinks you still love him. What do plan to do about that?"

"I love Christopher, but I'm playing along with John Ross. He can't stand to hear the news in his current state."

"Isn't that going to be worse on him when he does find out?"

"Yes, I know."

"Well I don't like that."

"I don't give a damn what you like or don't like, 'Uncle' JR. I happen to think it's the best thing to do right now."

JR didn't like Karen. His hatred for her ran nowhere near his hatred for Pam, but if she was what John Ross wanted, then she was what John Ross was going to have.

"Karen, I can break you like a twig if I wanted to."

"What is that supposed to be? A threat?"

"JR Ewing never makes threats—just promises."

Evening had set on Southfork and three weary Ewings made their way into the house. They had seen Bobby's car outside, so it was apparent that he was home, but Sue Ellen, Gary and Val were not terribly enthused at the idea of the talk that was to come.

Sue Ellen was very concerned for Gary's mental state. She, of all people, knew that it might not take much to drive a person back to drinking and, while she was disappointed that Ewing Oil had fallen prey to an enemy, she didn't blame Gary, nor did she want to see any harm come to him. He had been an inspiration to her during her recent battle with the bottle and had, in fact, been instrumental in helping her find her way back to the light. She wouldn't let him down now during what she imagined had to be one of the most challenging situations of his life.

"I finally got my chance and I blew it." Gary had been going on like this all afternoon and JR's attitude hadn't helped any. The three Ewings hoped they might find a little more support in Bobby.

Bobby was sitting at the dining table alone, drinking a glass of milk when the three entered the house. He got up to greet them. Joking, he said, "well, you three look as if someone just stole Ewing Oil right out from under you."

Val's head snapped toward Bobby and a look of fright came over her face. Gary just hung his head in shame and asked Bobby to join them in the living room. They sat and Gary explained the entire situation to Bobby. It was apparent by the look on Bobby's face that he was angry.

"Gary, I can't believe this has happened!"

"Bobby, I honestly can't, either. I'm so sorry to have let you down like this." Gary spoke as Val gripped his hand, signaling her support for him.

Sue Ellen apprehensively looked to Bobby to try and gauge his response. She was relieved to see the look of remorse on his face at hearing Gary's shame.

Calmly and tenderly, Bobby replied to his brother. "Let me down? Gary, this is no time for talk like that. You did your best for us and we appreciate it. How were you to know that Abby Fairgate, of all people, your own ex-wife, would do this?"

Sue Ellen chimed in. "He couldn't have. Gary, you did us all proud. You entered us into the single most exciting venture that Ewing Oil has ever embarked upon. The Barnes-Ewing One Project was very admirable."

Gary's face was in his hands when he said, "but, it's all blown to pieces."

Val reassured him. "No, Gary."

A voice came from behind them. "That's right, Gary. You're here with your family now and the Ewings are an unstoppable team."

The group turned to see Miss Ellie standing in the doorway. "And, together, we'll pick up the pieces and reclaim what is rightfully ours, Jack and Abby Ewing, or not!"

Gary smiled for the first time in several days. He couldn't believe what he was hearing from his family. "Momma, what are we going to do about this?"

"I have an idea or two. Let's all go and have some dinner and discuss our plans." Miss Ellie directed.

Everyone rose to leave, when Sue Ellen spoke up. "I can't leave just now. You all go on ahead and you can fill me in a little later on."

Bobby asked, "are you sure, Sue Ellen?"

"Yes, thank you, Bobby."

The group of Ewings nodded and headed off.

Sue Ellen sat on the sofa. The past few days had been hectic, but she had enjoyed the cruise. She was proud of her Oil Baron of the Year title and intended to do anything in her power to prove that she was worthy of it.

She sat reading for about 15 or 20 minutes when the doorbell rang.

"Jane, could you get that?"

No answer.

Sue Ellen got up from her position on the couch and opened the door.

"Mrs. Ewing?"

"Yes. Can I help you?"

"I hope so. I'm Detective Marshall." The man pulled out a badge and announced that he would need to ask a few questions about the happenings on board the Oil Baron.

"I'll see what I can do."

"Ok, first of all, did you see Pamela Barnes Ewing on the night of the fire?"

Sue Ellen looked startled. "Well, yes of course, she was at the Oil Baron's Ball."

"And what did Mrs. Ewing do at the ball? Anything out of the ordinary?"

"Right before the ball ended, she stood to make some sort of announcement, but she collapsed before she could say anything."

"I see."

"Is that the last you saw of Mrs. Ewing?"

"Yes, until the next morning."

"I saw Pam…" said a voice from behind. It was Jenna.

"Who are you ma'am?"

"I'm Jenna Wade Krebbs."

"Can you tell me exactly what you saw?"

"Yes, I'd be glad to. It was around 10 p.m. and I had retired to my stateroom with my husband Ray. He was changing out of his tux so I decided to step out on deck. It was going to be my last night there and I wanted to see the ocean under the moonlight once more. I heard a door open and looked to see someone coming out of JR Ewing's stateroom. At first I didn't think anything about it, since it was dark and it could have been Sue Ellen or someone…but then I saw who it was."

"Who?"

"Pamela Barnes Ewing. She seemed like she was in a hurry, looked really nervous. She never saw me because she turned the opposite way…almost running."

"And then what?"

"I went back to my room."

"Where was your room in relation to Mr. Ewings?"

"It was four rooms down."

"And when did you hear the fire alarms?"

"About five minutes later."

"Was Mrs. Ewing carrying anything with her?"

"Like I said, it was very dark outside and I couldn't tell."

"And if it was so dark, how did you know for sure that it was Pamela Barnes Ewing?"

"When she shut the door, the light reflected in her face for a moment. That's how I knew it was her."

"Thank you Mrs. Krebbs. I may be contacting you shortly."

"I hope I was of some assistance," said Jenna, leaving the room.

"I need to talk to anyone else who was there that night."

"Of course," said Sue Ellen, "let me round them up."

A few moments later, JR walked into the living room, still angry from his confrontation with Karen. Sue Ellen re-entered with him and stated that JR was the only one she could find at the moment.

"Mr. Ewing, I need to ask you a few questions."

"About the fire?"

"Yes. Do you have any idea who might have wanted to kill you?"

"Well, I'm sure there are a lot of people who'd like to get rid of me. But there's one who seems to really have it in for me lately."

"And who is that?"

"Pam Ewing."

"Pamela Barnes Ewing?"

"Yes."

"What does she have against you?"

"Well, she came up with this wild accusation that I had her kidnapped and kept her locked in a sanitarium for eleven years, which is completely ridiculous."

"I see. Do you think Mrs. Ewing had enough hatred for you to try to kill you?"

"I definitely think it's possible. She jumped up at the Oil Baron's Ball and was about to make an announcement, but she collapsed. I think she was about to say something about me. She'd been giving me strange looks all night…"

"Ok, tell me what happened, starting from the time you retired to your room."

"Well, I got dressed for bed, but then the phone rang. I answered and it was an old friend of mine, Abby Fairgate, or whatever she's using as a last name these days! We talked for a while and said good-byes. I hung up the phone and lay down. I must have fallen asleep within 10 minutes. The next thing I know, I'm in someone else's room and Bobby is there talking about a fire. Then I find out that poor Anita is dead…"

The shrill sound of a phone ringing stopped JR. "Excuse me," said Marshall. He stepped into the next room and answered the phone. A few minutes later, he came back.

"Mr. and Mrs. Ewing, thank you for your help. This is an emergency I've got to take care of. We've found some new information about the case. I'll be contacting you."

After Detective Marshall left, Sue Ellen immediately turned to JR. "JR, that was completely unnecessary. Pam had nothing to do with this and you know it! She would never try anything like that, no matter what you've done to her."

"Sue Ellen, you're making no sense. Pamela thinks I kept her locked away for eleven years. She's delusional, I admit, but if she believes it strongly enough, then she was the one who tried to kill me."

"I don't believe it. You're taking advantage of this opportunity to blame Pam."

"That's ridiculous."

"It's the truth and you know it. I've known you a long time JR…and I've learned to never put anything past you."

"I suppose you believe I had Pam taken away from Dallas too don't you?"

"Makes all the sense in the world to me."

"Have you been drinking again or something?"

Sue Ellen laughed, "never again JR. I'm perfectly sober."

"Goodnight Sue Ellen, this has been a stressful day and I need my rest. Tomorrow, we've got a company to take back."

Sue Ellen was silent and watched JR disappear up the staircase.

JR walked by Christopher's room and stopped to listen to the conversation going on inside. It was Christopher and Karen.

"Karen, I think you should drop this whole revenge plot against JR. If you go up against him, there's no telling what he might do to you."

"I wanted to tell everyone about what he did to John Ross and me at the wedding…how he got my dad to come and stop the whole thing. I could have killed JR."

"Well, let's talk about more pleasant things, like our wedding," said Christopher.

JR put his ear closer to the door. He had heard nothing about a wedding.

"I booked the flight. We leave tomorrow afternoon at two o'clock…flight 245."

"That doesn't leave us much time. Do you have a dress?"

"Let's live life on the edge. People get married in Vegas all the time, I'm sure there are plenty of places there to buy one."

"And how are you going to explain this to John Ross…the fact that you're going to be away for a few days I mean."

"I'll tell him I'm going to visit my dad. He won't think anything else of it."

"Ok."

"Don't get me wrong, I hate lying to him…but it's the only way. We can't just put our lives on hold."

"I know. I just wish things could be easier."

JR heard someone coming and entered his bedroom. Christopher and Karen would leave at 2 p.m. tomorrow afternoon…that didn't leave him much time. He couldn't let Christopher marry Karen…it was his son that wanted her. He had to stall them…buy himself a little more time to formulate a plan. If the two got married, it would make things more complicated for him later, he had to stop it before it ever happened.

Pamela Rebecca sat on her bed, staring at the phone. She had heard that John Ross was ok, but was still hesitant to call. Finally, she picked up the phone and dialed his room.

"Hello?"

"John Ross?"

"Yeah, is this Pam?"

"Yes, it's me. How are you?"

"Great. Just a bad headache. I still can't remember much about the accident."

"Maybe you will soon."

"Guess what!" said John Ross excitedly.

"What?" asked Pamela Rebecca.

"Karen and I are getting married."

Pamela Rebecca almost dropped the phone. "Married?"

"Yeah, I asked her this afternoon. She said yes."

"Oh, well congratulations."

Something very strange was going on and Pamela Rebecca intended to get to the bottom of it…and if she played her cards just right, Karen might end up all alone and she just might end up with John Ross.

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Ewing had much to celebrate and they did so in style. Formal clothing, fine caviar, the best champagne, nothing was too good for this night! The two had just been married and had just taken over the company that both had wanted for so long. They were a match made in Heaven.

"To us!" Their glasses clanked as the toasted their victory.

"No, to you, Jack. I couldn't have done this without you." Abby smiled at Jack.

"Well, I guess that's true, now isn't it." Jack replied arrongantly. "And now that I've got you in such good spirits, we can enjoy this Honeymoon."

Abby almost choked on her drink. "Honeymoon?"

"Well, yes, Abby. We did just get married." Jack began to look disappointed. "You don't think I did all this JUST for Ewing Oil, do you?"

"The truth is, yes, I did think that." Abby's look was serious.

"Hell, no, babe. I wouldn't come all this way just for that. That was for you… a wedding gift, if you will." Jack realized that the two of them were not quite on the same page.

"Jack, I…"

"No, don't say anything now, baby. If you're not ready to think of us that way, then that's fine, but we've got to stay married or this whole deal will all wash away for you." Jack talked to her with an aire of control.

Abby tried to smile, but couldn't manage a very sincere one.

Lucy was just about in bed when there was a knock on her door.

"Come in."

"Ellie walked over to her grand daughters bed "Lucy are you ready?"

"Ready?"

"Lucy, don't be coy, you remember that on the ship, we agreed to clear up this issue between you and Clayton when we got home, I think we have waited long enough.

"Grandmother, I am really not up to it tonight."

"I'm not either, but it really needs to be done." Ellie turned when she heard another enter Lucy's room.

"Sorry, Ellie, I just came in to say goodnight to my daughter."

"That's ok Valene, I was just saying goodnight." Ellie turned to Lucy, "We will talk tomorrow?"

"Sure Grandmother."

Ellie kissed Lucy on the forehead and left the room.

"Lucy."

"Yes Mama?"

"Mama, it feels so wonderful to hear those words from you, but…."

"But what?"

"But from what I have seen since you have been home, between the tension with Clayton, and what I have heard about Cliff Barnes, I think it is time I did act like your mother, you need me now."

"I don't need anyone." Lucy said this almost too herself.

Val looked at her daughter, full of sorrow for the years she lost, it was true, Lucy was one of the most independent women she had ever met. She went over, and like Ellie, gave Lucy a kiss good night.

"Lucy, I am here for you, you don't have to let me help you, but you need to know it is my fondest wish to be there for you."

Morning arrived at Southfork all too quickly for the sleeping Ewings. Ellie, Clayton, Jenna, Ray, Bobby, Pam, JR, Sue Ellen, Lucy, Gary, Val, Christopher, Karen, and Patricia Sheperd all gathered around the new, slightly larger, Ewing table.

"I don't know about the rest of you," said Ellie, "but I'm glad to be back at Southfork."

"I second that. That was one strange cruise." smiled Clayton, eating a scrambled egg.

"Well, stranger things have happened," said Lucy, looking at Clayton. "If you'll excuse me, I need to call and check on Muriel."

"Ok Lucy."

"How are you this morning Pamela?" said JR in his mock-nice voice.

"I'm just fine JR…or at least I was."

"Burned anything else?"

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Oh nothing. The Barnes family had a drunk, a loser, a psycho, and now they can add a pyromaniac to their roster."

"JR, that's just about enough," said Bobby, putting down his fork.

"Yes, it is enough," said Ellie, looking coldly at JR.

"I really don't think what JR is saying is out of league," spoke up Jenna. "After all, Pam thinks JR kept her locked away all that time. Just might make her crazy enough to burn down his stateroom." Christopher stopped eating.

"Jenna, I think we all know how you feel about," said Sue Ellen.

"…and I'm just about sick of hearing it," said Christopher, looking at Jenna.

"I'm sorry, maybe I'm wrong, but I know what I saw."

"Well I know what I did, Jenna," said Pam, "and I did NOT start that fire." Pam threw down her napkin, glared at Jenna and JR, and stormed out of the room. Bobby went after her.

"Jenna, what is wrong?" asked Ray.

"Nothing at all. Just stating the obvious."

Christopher got up, leaving the table.

"JR, Jenna…if I hear another word about this come out of your mouths, you'll both be off of Southfork. I won't tolerate this, ever again," said Ellie forcefully. "Things have gotten so out of hand that we all can't eat at the same table together."

Pam returned to the table, followed by Bobby. "I'm sorry Miss Ellie," she said.

"It's ok Pam, it's not your fault."

JR chimed in again with his own particular brand of negative comments. "Well, changing the subject, I guess we all know what's on our agenda for today since baby-brother and loser extraordinaire, Gary Black-Sheep Ewing, gave away our Daddy's company while we were gone."

"JR, you know that is not what happened," said Gary, ashamedly.

Everyone at the table looked around, not knowing quite what to say about this topic.

Val just glared at JR and put her arm around her husband to show her support for him.

"And besides JR," said Bobby. "That doesn't explain how you lost Westar. That can't be blamed on anyone but yourself."

"How did you hear about that?"

Once again, everyone at the table looked around, surprised at this revelation.

"Word gets around JR," said Bobby with a sly grin.

JR looked at the rest of the family, unsure of what to say. He was obviously embarrassed. "I don't even know the details of that, but one thing's for sure...I'll get back what's rightfully mine, don't you worry. Let's not forget that I still own 25% of Ewing Oil. Unlike you and Sue Ellen, I was smart enough not to trust my part to our good brother."

Gary didn't look up, but continued to eat. Val glared at JR.

The doorbell rang, breaking the silence that followed what Pam had said. It was Detective Marshall.

"I have a warrant for the arrest of Pamela Barnes Ewing for arson and the attempted murder of JR Ewing."

Marshall walked to Pam and handcuffed her. "You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be held against you in a court of law. You have the right to have an attorney present. If you cannot afford one, the court will appoint one for you…"

The world faded into nothingness as Pam collapsed to the floor.

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